What does it mean word for word?
The phrase cállate y duérmete is composed of two reflexive imperative verbs: callarse (to shut oneself up) and dormirse (to fall asleep or go to sleep). Literally, it translates to "shut yourself up and sleep yourself".
Which one should you use?
The default form cállate y duérmete uses the informal tú address, which is common when speaking to children or close friends. In contrast, the phrase Cállate y vete a dormir is another informal way to express the command.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regions use various informal versions of this phrase. In Spain, you might hear Cállate y ve a dormir or Cállate y vete a la cama. In Latin America, Cállate y duérmete and Cállate y échate a dormir are common. In Mexico, Cállate y acuéstate is used to address someone informally. Additionally, the slightly stricter Latin American phrase Cállate de una vez y ponte a dormir may be used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the formal usted form when addressing a single person, the phrase changes to cállese y duérmase.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaʝate i dweɾmete/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking households, the command Cállate can be rendered even more dismissively by saying Cierra el hocico, which literally means 'close your snout'.
- While cállate is a blunt command, adding the word por favor does not always make it polite. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, this combination is often used sarcastically to emphasize frustration.
- The verb dormirse is reflexive because it describes the transition from being awake to falling asleep. This differs from dormir, which refers to the continuous state of sleeping.
Examples in context
- ¡Cállate y duérmete ya!Shut up and go to sleep already!
- Ya es tarde, cállate y duérmete.It's late, shut up and go to sleep.
- No quiero escucharte más, cállate y duérmete.I don't want to hear you anymore, shut up and go to sleep.
Example conversation
A tired brother tells his younger sister to stop talking at night.
- AlejandroLucía, por favor, cállate y duérmete.Lucía, please, shut up and go to sleep.
- Lucía¡No quiero dormir, Alejandro!I don't want to sleep, Alejandro!
- AlejandroMañana tienes clase, así que cállate y duérmete.You have class tomorrow, so shut up and go to sleep.
- LucíaEstá bien, me callo.Fine, I'll be quiet.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
